Business Setup in the UAE
In the UAE's thriving and future-focused business environment, an ever-evolving array of licensing options caters to every type of company, from startups to international corporations, and from e-commerce to industrial manufacturing. For over a decade, Gateway Group has been the trusted partner for countless entrepreneurs and businesses, expertly navigating the complexities of mainland and free zone jurisdictions, legal structures, trade license options, and business activities. Let our experienced team guide you in confidently registering the most suitable business for your unique circumstances.
MAINLAND
BUSINESS SETUP
We want all organisations setting up in the UAE to experience Gateway Group's impressive level of professionalism and experience. This service exists to make your life easier and stress-free. You can trust us to provide you with the best solutions and highest quality customer service. Get in touch to learn more.
FREE ZONE
BUSINESS SETUP
This is one of our most popular services. It's ideal for our clients who insist on 100% ownership of their business and want UAE residence visas. We ensure all details are simple, seamless and handled in a timely manner. Whenever you work with Gateway Group, you can trust that you’re in great hands.
OFFSHORE
COMPANY FORMATION
Popular with our international business clients seeking tax efficient, discrete corporate structuring solutions to hold their assets. You can count on us to take care of your every need. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and you’ll love working with our team. Let us know how we can help you.
How to choose the right license for your UAE business
Answering some simple questions will help you to choose the license which is most suitable for your requirements.
Where are your customers located?
Trade licenses are issued by area (jurisdiction). You should get your trade license in the area where your anticipated customers are located and where you will be doing business.
Mainland licenses are available in each of the seven emirates. A mainland license enables the company to operate throughout the emirate in which the license is issued.
Free zone licenses are issued by the respective free zone (there are lots of free zones throughout each of the emirates.) A free zone license enables the company to operate within the geographical boundaries of the free zone in which the license is issued.
If you anticipate working in multiple locations throughout the UAE, you will likely need more than one trade license.
TIP: Not sure where your clients are based? Find out where your competitors are located.
Do you want to work with the government?
To work with government departments and quasi government entities, such as Mubadala, ADNOC and DP World, you will need a mainland license, issued by the economic department in the respective emirate, e.g. to work with the Government of Dubai, you will need a license issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai; whilst to work with Abu Dhabi Government, you will need a license issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED). If you want to work with the UAE federal government, then an Abu Dhabi mainland license issued by the Abu Dhabi DED.
Is your company sector specific?
If your company supplies or services customers in a specific sector, or overseas, then a free zone license might suitable. There are numerous free zones throughout the UAE and most are sector specific, such as the KEZAD free zone in Abu Dhabi which is a trade, logistics and industrial zone; and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) which is a financial zone for fintech, private equity and venture capitalists and asset managers. Simply choose the most appropriate free zone for your business and you'll find your customers there.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Free zone companies can only work within the free zone where their license was issued, or with overseas companies.
If your business will also have customers outside of your chosen free zone, an agent should be appointed as a middle man. Alternatively, a second license, called a Dual License, could be applied for which would enable you to work directly with companies outside of the free zone in that emirate.
Will you need CICPA passes?
If your company will need access to work at any of the UAE's crticial national infrastructure and facilities, either onshore or offshore, such as power stations, oil rigs, communications and security networks, military zones, water supplies etc. it will be necessary to apply for CICPA registration, before being able to apply for individual CICPA passes for your employees to be able to access the relevant sites. For CICPA registration, an Abu Dhabi mainland license is required. For CICPA passes, the individual's visa must be sponsored by the company and therefore be an Abu Dhabi visa.
Do you want to be an ADNOC supplier?
To become an ADNOC supplier, you will need the 'Onshore and Offshore Oil And Gas Fields And Facilities Services' activity on your economic license (trade license). This activity requires special approval from the Supreme Council for Financial & Economic Affairs, since the Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) was merged with it.
Whilst there aren't any published conditions for obtaining the approval, which is at the sole discretion of the board, from our experience, Abu Dhabi mainland licenses with either a local sponsor or service agent, are preferred.
Masdar CIty Free Zone had a special MOU in place with the SPC, enabling it's licensed companies to apply for approval, but there are extra conditions with this route.
How many employees will you need?
There are two considerations here:
1) You will need commercial premises large enough to accommodate the number of employees you need. Commercial premises are much more expensive in free zones than in mainland areas. You'll also find a larger selection, as well as a range of prices to choose from in mainland areas.
2) In some free zones, license costs relate directly to the number of visas a company needs, meaning the more visas which are needed, not only are you required to lease larger commercial space, but the cost of the license increases too.
Will your business activities be outside the UAE?
If your business activities are international and not actually conducted within the UAE, and you don't require a residence visa, then an offshore company could be the suitable solution.
.jpg)
Strategic Partnership
with Abu Dhabi government
Gateway Group was chosen as preferred partner for business setups by Abu Dhabi Residents Office, part of the Department of Economic Development (DED). This strategic partnership is committed to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Abu Dhabi and supporting foreign companies entering the market to promote the ease of doing business in the emirate.
Get Started Today
Talk to one of Gateway Group's company formation and visa experts.
